Park District Will Swim Into Spring

April 24, 1992|By Anneke Leurdijk.

If you`re anywhere between 5 and 14, the pool is where the action is this week. Starting Monday, the Chicago Park District will host the 2nd annual Spring Break Swim Blitz, a follow-up to the swimfest last year that taught more than 13,000 students to swim. The focus of the weeklong free lessons is teaching fundamental skills needed around water. ``Swimming is a life skill and not just recreation,`` spokeswoman Maryam Husein says. ``We try to teach school-age children to float and to get from one side of the pool to the other.``

The park district has long been concerned about children using some of its 57 outdoor pools after hours, Husein says. The Spring Break Swim Blitz not only teaches children what to do if they fall in, but also stresses the importance of safety around water. Participating students pledge to keep the

``Swim and Be Safe Promise,`` which includes never swimming without a lifeguard on duty or alone.

The Chicago Park District is canceling all its regular swim classes during the public schools` spring break to make room for the seven one-hour sessions planned each day. All lessons are free and all 1st through 8th graders are welcome-just be sure to bring your own swim gear.

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The 2nd annual Spring Break Swim Blitz will be held at the Chicago Park District`s 27 indoor pools; Monday through May 1; free. For registration information or a complete list of locations, call 312-294-2333.